I placed Michigan 12th with my vote in the Associated Press preseason college football poll.
But I did so with much uncertainty about where the Wolverines ultimately will place following the College Football Playoff and bowl season.
Michigan is one of the most difficult teams in the nation to gauge. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh did a terrific job during his first two seasons, and has recruited exceptionally well. Theoretically, it should mean the Wolverines take a step forward from the 10-3 records they registered in 2015 and 2016.
But no program in the country has lost as much NFL-caliber talent as Michigan.